Applying for membership

Who may apply?

Anyone from the community may apply for borrowing privileges by presenting current identification and becoming a Library Society member. A membership in the Society extends benefits to immediate family members residing at the same address. Only one borrower's card will be issued per household.

How long am I registered to use the resources at the Albright Library?

Library Society membership/borrowing cards are issued for twelve months and can be used by anyone at the same household. Patrons will be asked to present a driver's license or other ID card in order to join. If the patron remains in good standing, he/she will receive a reminder to renew the membership. Patrons are reminded to retain their library card since there is a $5 replacement card charge if the last one was issued less than 5 years previously.

When do borrowing privileges begin?

Borrowing privileges can begin immediately after completing and signing the registration form, providing proof of residency, paying the membership fee and receiving a barcoded Library Society Library Card. Patrons must be over 18 in order to join the Library Society. This borrowing card must be presented at the Circulation Desk whenever materials are checked out.

What can I find?

Library Society members can borrow a total of 6 items (books and popular reading) at a time. You will need to be sure that you bring your library ID and that your library registration is up to date.

Articles? Library Society members may use the databases that do not have a symbol next to their database descriptions. Our contracts do not allow off-campus access for non-students, faculty or staff.

Quiet space? Try the library.

To kick back & relax? Borrow some DVDs or popular reading. Check out the library collection on the main floor.

We are open over 100 hours per week!

Borrowing Materials

What materials circulate? What are the loan periods?

Library Society borrowers may charge up to six circulating books. General materials are loaned for 28 days and popular reading books are loanable for 14 days and popular DVDs for 7 days. Materials currently on reserve have a 2 hour loan period and must be used in the library. Items can be renewed in person or online.

The overdue fine for circulating books is $.10 per day for general books and $.50 per day for videos. Overdue and fine notices are issued as a courtesy to our borrowers. It is the borrower's responsibility to check the due date stamped on each item. A fine may be incurred before the notice is received. Borrowers will also be blocked from further borrowing if they have outstanding fines.

What is a recall?

A recall is a request made by an Albright faculty member or student to retrieve material charged to another borrower. Materials charged to Library Society borrowers that are recalled are due immediately. Notices specifying the new due date will be issued when items are recalled. Penalties (fines) of $5 per day will accrue for late returns.

What other costs may be incurred?

Borrowers are charged replacement costs and processing fees for lost items. Processing fees are $20 per item and replacement costs vary depending on the item. Damage costs will be assessed depending on the condition of the item.

Keep My Library Account Active

You will need to annually re-register with the library.

Anual membership id currently set at $25/year and any member of your immediate household card that you designate can use the card (ID may be requested).

To obtain a card or re-register an account, you will be asked to:

Bring a type of photo ID card

If not a drivers license, bring another ID that verifies your address

You will receive a red library ID card that can be used to check out materials from the library.

Obtain Other Services

Reference support is available to all Library Society members by calling 610-921-7211 or emailing libraryref@albright.eduu . The Albright Library participates in a 24/7 reference desk service, AskHerePA, that you can access.

We highly recommend that you become a member of your local public library system and use the journal databases and interlibrary loan (ILL) services offered by them since access to subecription databases and ILL services are restricted to current students.

Attend Events

As a Library Society member, you can attend Library and Holocaust Resource Center events: